Jack Wilshere has set himself a target of leading Arsenal and England in the future.

Wilshere, 21, is set to miss upcoming international friendlies against Republic of Ireland and Brazil due to an ongoing ankle injury.

However, the midfielder remains eager to develop his all-round contribution to the cause as the 2014 World Cup looms.

He told the Sun: "I want to captain Arsenal and I want to captain England. That definitely appeals to me. It's my ultimate dream.

"People say players are no longer bothered about wearing the England shirt. But for me it's the pinnacle of my job because club rivalries go out of the window and the entire nation comes together behind you - it's the best feeling."

Wilshere, who had screws inserted in his ankle in 2011 to aid his recovery from a stress fracture, expects to return to the international stage for the friendly against Scotland this August.

"I'm having an operation this week to deal with the irritating scar tissue caused by the screws, but it's a minor process and I'll only be rested up for a fortnight," he said.